1. DISCUSSION
What is A DISCUSSION?
A discussion text type gives the for and against, the positive and negative, or
the good and bad points. A discussion can be in oral or written form. The
purpose of a discussion is to present to the audiences different opinions on a
topic and, at the end, your opinion.
Examples of discussion texts include:
• talkback radio
• debates
• current affairs interviews
• letters to the editor
• essays
• newspaper articles
2. DISCUSSION
Features of a DISCUSSION
Constructing a discussion
A typical discussion text has an introductory paragraph that has
a statement about the topic followed by a series of paragraphs
that give evidence, opinions or arguments for and against the
topic. The end of the discussion text is signalled by a conclusion
that gives a final point of view, either for or against the topic.
Grammatical features of a dramatic text
Discussions usually include the following grammatical features:
• the use of generic terms related to the topic
• words that show a comparison or a contrast
• words that link arguments.
3. DISCUSSION
The DISCUSSIOn scaffold
Step 1
• An opening paragraph that introduces the topic being discussed. It can contain a
question about the topic. It can state the view of the author of the text.
Step 2
• Argument or point of view for, with supporting evidence or elaboration (more
details).
• Another argument for, with supporting argument or elaboration.
• Argument or point of view against, with supporting evidence or elaboration.
• Another argument against, with supporting argument or elaboration.
Step 3
• A conclusion that sums up the discussion and gives a recommendation or opinion.
4. DISCUSSION
MODEL OF a discussion
Should Australia become a republic?
Recently, Australians have been debating the possibility of
becoming a republic. There are arguments for and against
Australia pursuing this course in the twenty-first century. I
believe that Australia should become a republic.
Republicans see Australia as having moved beyond its
British roots and desire change, not only because it is practical,
but also symbolic. I believe that Britain is now less important to
Australia economically as well as culturally, and that Australia
should look at forming stronger links with nations situated in the
same region.
On the other hand, those opposed to a republic argue that
our parliamentary system and other major institutions, such as
the law, are based on the British model, which has provided
Australia with a stable system of government and they fear that
any changes may threaten this stability.
It can be seen that there are reasons for and against
becoming a republic. After looking at both sides, I still believe
that Australia should become a republic.
GENERAL
STATEMENT
THAT
INTRODUCES
DISCUSSION
Structures
ARGUMENTS
FOR
CONCLUSION
WORDS TO
LINK
ARGUMENTS
Grammatical
features
PHRASE
INTRODUCES
ANOTHER
POINT
OF VIEW
WORDS
SHOWING
AUTHOR’S
OPINION
ARGUMENTS
AGAINST
